Sheer Pleasure

India is no stranger to sheer clothing — sheer saris,in particular,have been a favourite in Bollywood for years. Tawadey explains that this is so because sheer is synonymous with femininity. “Sheer is delicate,and it has a certain romantic air about it,” she says. Moreover,with chiffons,georgettes,net,tulle,mulmul,organza,silk and linen lending themselves well to this trend,sheer garments can be easily crafted from a variety of fabrics. This apart,sheer also scores high on the utilitarian scale; for instance,Dongre notes that a sheer jacket worn over a sleeveless or a strappy dress makes the ensemble more formal. “It covers up the arms of women who aren’t comfortable wearing a strappy outfit,” she says.

Barve,on the other hand,emphasises that working on a look with sheer can be a tricky thing. “In our country,the diaphanous chiffon sari is vintage stuff,and the idea there is to tantalise. But,too much of it can make one look vulgar. One must know where to draw the line,and a great way of doing it is to go for layering,where a sheer coverup is thrown over an opaque garment,preferably in a contrasting colour,” he says,adding that in such situations,the inner wear is also important.

Dongre agrees that in India,not too many people would overdo sheer. “Unless,you are an actor or a model and have a body to flaunt,wearing body-hugging sheer outfits is not for you. Then again,sporting sheer doesn’t mean one has to show skin,” she says.

For Tawadey,though,a sheer back works beautifully for an outfit. “I personally think it is far more sensual than showing décolletage,” she says.

Slipping into a simple sheer outfit also doesn’t necessarily mean one can go overboard with accessories. While Thampi believes that the odd statement neckpiece can up the glamour quotient by a few notches,Dongre warns that an overall minimal look works best with sheer.

Sheer as a trend has transcended into accessories as well. Furla and Armani Jeans have rolled out a line of transparent handbags,with the former having launched see-through versions of the Candy bag and the Piper Lux model. “Our collection is inspired by sophisticated see-through effects,both through the use of PVC and artisanal leather perforations,” says Giovanna Furlanetto,president of Furla,in an email interview.

Meanwhile,Gucci’s Spring Summer ’13 line includes the Aristographic Perspex clutch that is inspired by the patterns and colours of gemstones. Transparent shoes,too,have become popular,with the likes of Stella McCartney introducing plexiglass wedges,apart from a range of plexiglass clutches and necklaces.

Thampi vouches for the rising number of takers for transparent accessories. “Pair an asymmetrical dress with a transparent clutch and you have your ultimate chic look,” he says.

Barve,however,says,“A sheer outfit doesn’t have to be worn with a Perspex clutch and a pair of lucite platform heels.”

vidya.prabhu@expressindia.com